Chicago, IL: Four factors improve student test scores in Illinois’ public school districts– and two are associated with lower academic achievement– according to a new study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Project for Middle Class Renewal (PMCR) and … Continue reading New Study: Four Factors Improve Student Achievement in Illinois’ Public Schools
Chicago, IL: Collective bargaining agreements in Illinois’ public schools are dynamic and innovative, reflecting both the needs of teachers and the financial challenges faced by school districts, according to a new study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Project … Continue reading New Study: Illinois Public School Districts Are Dynamic and Innovative
With persistent state funding gap, Illinois property taxes have risen to 7th highest in the nation Continue reading “Study Offers Roadmap to Stem Growth of Illinois’ Property Tax Rates”
On Friday, April 26, the Illinois House Labor & Commerce Committee held a subject matter hearing on “Workforce Development, Reducing Unemployment, and Improving the Economy.” Frank Manzo IV, MPP, Policy Director of the Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI) testified before the committee. Here is what he said.
Continue reading “ILEPI Testimony on Registered Apprenticeship Programs”
Which occupations in Illinois are the highest-paying? Look to management, medicine, and STEM. Continue reading “40 Occupations That Pay Over $100,000 in Illinois”
On Wednesday, May 2, the Illinois House Revenue & Finance Committee held a hearing on the possibility of a progressive income tax in Illinois. Frank Manzo IV, MPP, Policy Director of the Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI) provided a brief testimony. Here is what he said. Continue reading “ILEPI Testimony on a Progressive Income Tax Before the Illinois House”
The future of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program is uncertain under the Trump Administration, but eliminating the program would bring negative consequences to Illinois’ workers and economy. Continue reading “The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Benefits the Illinois Economy”
A recent report by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI) and the Project for Middle Class Renewal at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PMCR) assesses the positive economic impacts of public universities and colleges in Illinois and measures the costs of the two-year budget impasse. Continue reading “Public Universities and Community Colleges Boost the Illinois Economy by $16 Billion Every Year”
Illinois has spent at least $4.9 billion in state and local business subsidies since 2000, after adjusting for inflation. This equates to $288.5 million per year. While these subsidies have saved or created some jobs in the state, Illinois could have created even more jobs and more economic growth if tax dollars had instead been invested in public infrastructure and public education.
Continue reading “Tax Dollars Should Be Spent on Broad-Based Investments, Not Corporate Subsidies”
NEW STUDY DOCUMENTS HARMFUL IMPACT OF BUDGET STALEMATE ON ILLINOIS’ PUBLIC COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Two-Year Impasse Led to Reduced Enrollment, Layoffs, and Tuition Hikes Chicago: The two-year Illinois budget stalemate reduced enrollment in the state’s public colleges and universities by … Continue reading Illinois Public Universities Were Harmed by State Budget Impasse
With the State of Illinois finally having a new budget for the first time in two years, the Project for Middle Class Renewal at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the Illinois Economic Policy Institute evaluated the economic research on policy measures currently under consideration by state lawmakers.
The full report is available here: Public Policies That Grow the Illinois Economy: An Evidence-Based Review of the Current Debate. Continue reading “Education and Infrastructure Grow the Economy. Other Proposals Being Debated in Illinois Don’t.”
A new Economic Commentary provides the latest data on full-time workers in Illinois’ labor market, allowing you to see how you compare.
The Illinois Update 